Nature: gardens, lawns, vistas, and foliage – more and more families seeking independent living, assisted living communities or memory care facilities in Los Angeles are looking for green space. However, our urban living environment, where square footage is at a premium, means that finding a senior living community with expansive outdoor space is not easy.
Part of our job at Assisted Living Locators is to both inspect facilities prior to adding them to our portfolio and tour communities with our clients. We’ve seen just about every senior living community in Metro Los Angeles. Most are single buildings with a courtyard, patio, rooftop deck or terrace. Very few have lawns. Even rarer are trees.
We’ve pulled together a list of the top 6 communities to enjoy the great outdoors.
1. Hollenbeck Palms – Downtown Los Angeles
OK, it’s in Boyle Heights so the location is deceiving, but behind the gates is an oasis with eight acres of gardens, walking paths and 100-year-old trees. Built in 1890, Hollenbeck Palms is a CCRC that offers a variety of living options. Residents can live here month to month, or they can pay an “entry fee” and buy down the monthly cost. Amenities include kitchens in many units, both a grand dining room and casual cafe, a 9-hole putting green, shuffleboard and a sports lounge. Skilled nursing on-site.
2. Silverado Calabasas – Calabasas
Silverado is an all-memory care community set on 5 acres with breathtaking views in a prime Calabasas neighborhood. Silverado is California’s leader in memory care with programming specially designed for each level of cognitive decline. The Calabasas location looks and feels like a resort hotel with a swimming pool and walking paths. The entire property is secure giving residents with dementia the ability to spend time outside and to freely explore. Shared and private studios are oversized making this an excellent choice for those serious about memory care in the Calabasas area.
3. Ararat Gardens – Glendale
On 4 ½ acres, Ararat Gardens in Glendale is a great retirement community for older adults who are looking for carefree independent living with a little bit of support. Ararat Gardens offers 73 independent apartments, 28 assisted living units and 23 skilled nursing beds on its campus. We are particularly impressed by the dining terrace, where we’d be happy to sit all day on the very comfy armchairs, under umbrellas surrounded by trees and gardens.
4. Kingsley Manor – Hollywood
This 4-acre continuing care community in the heart of Hollywood provides independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing, all on one campus. Opened in 1912, the historical buildings and beautifully maintained large outdoor areas are entirely gated making it a secure environment for residents. The buildings surround an interior great lawn, the walkways are overflowing with mature rose bushes and a mile of walking paths welcomes dogs and their humans. On a nice day, you’ll find residents sitting and chatting along the central outdoor walkway, lined with couches and cozy armchairs.
5. Belmont Village – Calabasas
The Belmont Village in Calabasas is a spacious, luxury property built in 2019 and nestled in the hills of Calabasas. Spectacular views with lovely outdoor seating areas distinguish this property which offers assisted living and memory care. Circle of Friends, an intermediate program for seniors with cognitive decline who do not yet need full memory care, makes the Belmont chain stand out. Excellent menu with restaurant-style dining and an impressive movie theater. Definitely an A property.
6. Nazareth House – West Los Angeles
Serene, friendly faith-based independent and assisted living on 5 acres in Cheviot Hills is a great value for those seeking to put spirituality at the center of their lives. Convenient west side location just off the 10 freeway, with loads of flower gardens, private outdoor seating areas, and walking paths make this community unusual for congested west Los Angeles.
This is just a sampling of what’s available in Los Angeles senior living. We can think of some other great communities such as The Village at Northridge, The Village at Sherman Oaks, and Gardens at Park Balboa. But, you don’t need to do your search alone. The experts at Assisted Living Locators can guide you to the right place for your loved one’s care needs and within your budget. Our service is always available at no charge to our clients. Call us at 310-853-8282.
Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles owner Sarah Ordover is one of LA’s top senior living advisors. Certified in dementia care, Sarah is a trained aging specialist who holds an RCFE assisted living administrators license. Sarah and her colleagues thoughtfully guide families through the senior living decision-making process, helping them find the best solution for their loved ones. Contact Assisted Living Locators at 310-853-8282 for a consultation. Assisted Living Locators is free to clients.
